Doha, Qatar, November 27, 2018:   Post its entry into Qatar, Northumbria University Newcastle has been continuously expanding its program offerings for Qatari students to grow their horizons. With its intent to keep looking for newer avenues, Northumbria University takes pleasure in announcing its strategic tie-up with Academic Bridge Program (ABP). Hosted by Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA), the MoU was signed by Mr. Rob Carthy, Director of International Development, Northumbria Newcastle and Dr. Bryan Lewallen, Director of Academic Bridge Program at QFBA premises in Qatar.

Through this partnership, Academic Bridge and Northumbria University intends to establish a relationship to co-operate in a broad range of areas and will work together to expand education landscape. Both the partners would encourage and develop collaborative activities in various ways, including the exchange of scholarly ideas/expertise, the support of specific discipline interaction, the development of programs and the advanced entry to Northumbria programs of appropriately qualified students from Academic Bridge.

This agreement provides graduates of the Academic Bridge Program with direct admission to degree courses in many disciplines, including accounting, business, computing, cybersecurity, engineering, finance, health, psychology and sport management. Students interested in accounting, banking and finance have the choice of studying the same programme at the University’s main campus in Newcastle in the UK or in Qatar.
On the occasion, Dr. Khalid Al Horr, CEO, QFBA, said:

“We take immense pride in hosting this strategic deal between the institutes of such repute. Northumbria is a highly acclaimed global institute for finance professionals. Academic Bridge Program is sure to gain tremendously from this association as both the institutes will complement each other in bringing their capabilities be it global or local best practices. We wish both the institutes greater success in their future endeavours.” 

On this tie-up, Mr. Rob Carthy, Director of International Development, Northumbria Newcastle, said:
“Qatar has been gaining traction as one of the global financial hotspots and our association with QFBA has offered us a greater access in the Qatari market to showcase our financial education might to the financing professionals in Qatar. Our partnership with Academic Bridge Program will further accelerate our reach in Qatar. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance our local presence and educate students on the global financing paradigms.”

On his behalf, Dr. Bryan Lewallen, Director, Academic Bridge Program, said:
“This partnership marks a new era for the faculties and students of Academic Bridge Program. This tie-up would assist our faculties in gaining global exposure through exchange programs and prepare our students to take on any global challenge. We are living in a boundary less world and we have to make sure that our younger generation is well nurtured & conditioned to accept the changing times and be ready to face any unforeseen situation. There could be no better way than this to collaborate with a university of such a global repute to teach our students the nuances of finance management. We are looking forward to changing the financing education paradigms of Qatar with this MoU.”

Professor Diane Sloan – Faculty Head of International Development, Faculty of Business and Law, Northumbria Newcastle, stated:
“For Northumbria Newcastle, this is a crucial step towards building our global presence.  Through this MoU we are demonstrating the ability of education to cross geographical and cultural boundaries.  The partnership demonstrates the ability of the University to work with partners to deliver programmes supporting the regional and country requirements. Our global expertise will further amplify our vision to deliver internationally recognised high quality programmes for students based both in Qatar and our Newcastle site.”